SENTINEL NODE BIOPSY
A sentinel node (SLN) is the first lymph node(s) to which cancer cells are likely
to spread from the primary tumor. Cancer cells may appear in the sentinel node
before spreading to other lymph nodes. A dye is injected near the tumor to allow
flow to the SLN. A biopsy of the dye-stained node is performed to help
determine the extent or stage of cancer. Because SLN biopsy involves the
removal of fewer lymph nodes than standard lymph node removal procedures,
the potential for side effects is lower.